Due to the numerous developmental constraints faced by many Small Island Developing States, these governments have promoted tourism in policy agendas on the grounds that it will enhance the lives of local people through the creation of employment and subsequent increase in income level. Using the case of the Maldives, this research explored the extent to which local employment is integrated in the sustainable development paradigm. The research indicates that the Maldivian tourism industry to be impacted upon by a myriad of social, human resource, economic, institutional and religious factors which affect the attraction and retention of local people in tourism employment.